Could Patrick Mahomes Lead the NBA’s Return to Kansas City?

Kansas City hasn’t had an NBA franchise since the Kings relocated to Sacramento in 1985. But with the Portland Trail Blazers officially on the market, local fans and leaders are rallying behind a new name—Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs’ star quarterback, already a central figure in Kansas City’s sports identity, is now being publicly encouraged to spearhead the city’s effort to land an NBA team.

Mahomes has shown a clear appetite for sports ownership. His portfolio includes stakes in the MLB’s Kansas City Royals, MLS’ Sporting Kansas City, and the NWSL’s Kansas City Current—co-owned with his wife, Brittany. 

Beyond that, Mahomes is a minority owner of the Alpine Formula One team and part of the Miami Pickleball Club investment group alongside Naomi Osaka and Nick Kyrgios. These ventures display both his long-term vision and business savvy when it comes to sports.

The potential NBA opportunity stems from the Trail Blazers’ impending sale. Following the passing of Paul Allen, his estate has officially put the team up for sale in accordance with his directive that the proceeds go to philanthropy. Allen purchased the franchise in 1988 for $70 million; today it’s valued at roughly $3.65 billion. 

Allen & Company and Hogan Lovells are overseeing the sale, which is expected to carry into the 2025–26 NBA season and will require NBA Board of Governors approval. Although Phil Knight, Nike’s co-founder, has shown interest, speculation around possible relocation—particularly to Seattle—remains strong.

Kansas City is making a case of its own. The T-Mobile Center, a $276 million arena opened in 2007, seats 18,972 for basketball and has hosted NCAA tournaments and NBA preseason games. The city also boasts the revamped Hy-Vee Arena (formerly Kemper Arena), now a multi-sport complex, further supporting the city’s infrastructure credentials.

The grassroots push for Mahomes to take charge is gaining traction. Social media campaigns and civic pressure are intensifying, calling on the two-time NFL MVP to leverage his considerable influence and resources to restore the NBA’s presence in Kansas City. It’s not just sentiment—Mahomes has the financial backing to be a legitimate player in this conversation.

After signing a 10-year, $450 million contract in 2020, Mahomes restructured the deal in 2023 to guarantee $210.6 million over four years (2023–26). Combined with off-field endorsements from Adidas, State Farm, Subway, and Head & Shoulders, he brought in an estimated $25 million in off-field earnings in 2024 alone. His diversified investments position him among the most financially capable athletes in any league.

While Las Vegas and Seattle are often mentioned in (and favored) for expansion, Kansas City remains a legitimate contender—especially with local backing and infrastructure already in place. NBA owners have reportedly leaned toward expansion rather than relocation, but the Trail Blazers’ situation is unique. If a local ownership group with Mahomes at the helm makes a serious bid, Kansas City could become more than a footnote in relocation discussions.

However, there are hurdles. The city is already in discussions about a new $3 billion domed stadium for the Chiefs, which would reshape the local sports ecosystem. Any NBA move would require not only league approval but coordination with city planners, investors, and existing teams to ensure synergy and sustainability.

Still, the upside is clear. Bringing an NBA team back could generate significant economic impact—new jobs, more tourism, and a stronger local business ecosystem centered around game nights. It would also amplify civic pride and create opportunities for community outreach, youth programming, and charitable initiatives, all of which align with Mahomes’ philanthropic efforts through his 15 and the Mahomies Foundation.

Mahomes has never shied away from raising Kansas City’s national profile. From Super Bowl wins to owning multiple franchises, his commitment to the city is deep. Leading the charge to bring back the NBA wouldn’t just add to his legacy—it could permanently reshape the city’s sports identity.

With the Trail Blazers officially in play and Kansas City’s infrastructure and passion already on display, the path is there. Whether Mahomes steps onto that path as a principal figure in Kansas City’s NBA revival remains to be seen—but the city is watching, and waiting.